Monday, July 22, 2013

Learning the lessons of the past

Lately I've developed an obsession with ancient history. So when I read the article "The World Needs Pioneers Today" by President Thomas S. Monson, this part really stood out to me:

"We
forget how the Greeks and Romans prevailed magnificently in a barbaric
world and how that triumph ended—how a slackness and softness finally
overcame them to their ruin. In the end, more than they wanted freedom,
they wanted security and a comfortable life; and they lost all—comfort
and security and freedom.

"Do
not yield to Satan’s enticements; rather, stand firm for truth. The
unsatisfied yearnings of the soul will not be met by a never-ending
quest for joy amidst the thrills of sensation and vice. Vice never leads
to virtue. Hate never promotes love. Cowardice never gives courage.
Doubt never inspires faith.

Some
find it difficult to withstand the mockings and unsavory remarks of
foolish ones who ridicule chastity, honesty, and obedience to God’s
commands. But the world has ever belittled adherence to principle. When
Noah was instructed to build an ark, the foolish populace looked at the
cloudless sky and then scoffed and jeered—until the rain came.

"Must
we learn such costly lessons over and over again? Times change, but
truth persists. When we fail to profit from the experiences of the past,
we are doomed to repeat them with all their heartache, suffering, and
anguish. Haven’t we the wisdom to obey Him who knows the beginning from
the end—our Lord, who designed the plan of salvation—rather than that
serpent, who despised its beauty?"

I don't know anyone who could have said it better. If only people would listen to wisdom like this ...